Dr. Chism is the Director for the Student Achievement and School Accountability (SASA) program in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. SASA is responsible for administering Title I, Part A Grants to Local Educational Agencies, Title III English Acquisition State Grants, the State Agency Neglected and Delinquent program, the State Assessment Grant program, the Enhanced Assessment Grant program, and the McKinney-Vento Program for Homeless Children and Youth. SASA administers over $15.6 billion annually in federal program funds. These programs provide financial assistance to States, school districts, and schools to meet the educational needs of children who are failing, or most at risk of failing, to meet challenging academic standards established by States. Students served include at-risk children who are from low-income families, children and youth in neglected and delinquent institutions, as well as homeless children, and English Learners.

Dr. Chism has held a series of positions in the field of education as a teacher, researcher, and state administrator.  In these positions she gained a deep knowledge of what is required to close achievement gaps and cultivate culturally proficient schools. Immediately prior to joining the U.S. Department of Education she was with the Illinois State Board of Education, where she served as an Assistant Superintendent. 

Jeff Breshears is the Education Administrator for the CA Department of Education.

Matt D'Arrigo is the CEO of Arts: a Reason to Survive.

Merryl is recognized as a leading author, presenter, and reseracher on arts integration with numerous publications and grants including DOE, NEA, Spencer/MacArthur, Fulbright-Hays, California Arts Council and more. She is the author of several books, articles, blogs, and chapters on arts infused education.

By collaborating effectively with CA's leading education and parent organizations and agencies, and by providing an anchor for policy expertise at the state and local levels, Landon has helped the Alliance become the leader in promoting the arts in schools to enrich children's lives and education.

Dr. Stevenson has over a decade experience as a researcher, evaluator, and leader in school reform and arts education. As the senior associate for research at the Arts Education Partnership (AEP) she directed a national research study on the role of arts education in transforming K-12 schools.

Tuttle is Director of Arts Education at the Arizona Departmentt of Education where she leads a Title I arts integration initiative, provides professional development in arts education, supports the implementation of Arizona’s Arts Standards, and knows the Title I regulations practically by heart.

Venz is the principal of Quincy Jones Elementary School, a new Los Angeles Unified School District school that emphasizes academic excellence through music and the arts. It is the first public, urban elementary school of its kind that focuses instruction around jazz music.